Born again identity – You are the Church

Earlier this year I started studying the book of Ephesians as I had always been interested in what the Bible had to say about our identity as Christians.  Unfortunately an addiction to smoking had always been getting in the way of me fully grasping what it meant to be a new creation in Christ. (Cigarette free for over 6 months now!)

If you have been following the born again identity series, I really hope that you have benefited from what I have been sharing. If you haven’t read any of the other posts you can find them here.  Born again identity  Born again Identity – Already Blessed!  Born again identity – Dead and alive  Born again identity – Relocated and  Born again identity – Bold and confident. This will be the 2nd last post for this series.

One of the biggest things you will learn about finding your identity in Christ, is that you are not alone. You are now part of a massive international family called the church. We who are members of the body of Christ are his representatives in the world. I have been told a number of times in my life that I am part of a mass delusion, I have also heard Christians say they don’t need the church and unfortunately I have heard all to many times Christians constantly bad mouthing the church in front of people who are not Christians. I think this is sad and I would assert that if more followers of Christ realised they are the church, and the church matters to God, then the body of Christ would look different today.

Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.

We are joined to each other through the blood of Christ. While I realise that this isn’t good news for everyone and some would rather do their faith journey alone, there are plenty of benefits of being a member of the biggest family on planet earth.

• For those who have been rejected by their blood family or they have never known them, they have the opportunity to be known and valued as well as welcoming others.
• Lots of opportunities to serve others both locally and globally and learn more about God and yourself while doing that.
• Be part of a intentional faith based community where people are on the same mission. To be disciples of Christ and to make him known.

During my time as a Christian I have had the opportunity to see many different aspects of the church at work, the diversity is amazing, the creativity and passion for people and God have inspired me. I’m thankful that all this is part of my identity and I believe its a privilege to be part of something so big with Jesus Christ at the head.

If you have any thoughts on the Christian identity or want to add to the list I have started about the benefits,  please leave a comment. would love to hear from you.